severe emphysema waking constantly breathless
dont know what to do im scared
Hi
, and welcome! I see you are a new member here having just joined today, early in the morning. We are glad to see you already engaging with the community through this, your first post.
It is understandable that you will have some anxiety and even be frightened (as you shared), when sleep is challenging and you are feeling short of breath on a constant basis.
Are you being followed by a physician for a COPD diagnosis?
You are the best judge of how you are feeling? If you have been feeling this way for a period of time and, it is still persisting and/or getting worse. You may want to reach out for your private medical doctor (PMD).
What do you think?
Please let us hear back from you - we have a genuine concern for your good health.
All the best,
Leon L (author / site moderator)so sorry you are going through this, it is scary for I have experienced similar belts of breathless waking. As Leon suggested about contacting your doctor is a great way to go and try to see if there is something he/she could do to ease this for you. In the meantime have you tried to prop yourself up on pillows or sleep in a recliner if you have one? Propping myself up on pillows has helped me many nights and then of course the adjustments in medication the doctor has given me has really helped out. We are all so different but yet a lot of the same stuff goes on. I so wish you much luck with this so you can have a peaceful day and night. Try looking into the zephyr valves. Pretty easy really. Bunch of testing 6 minute walk test, xrays, etc. Medicare covered mine. Everything. Worth looking into. Good luck 
Hi Diane! I want to welcome you to the community as well. I hope Doris's suggestion of finding ways to elevate your head for sleeping has been helpful! Many do find that makes a difference in getting better sleep. These articles offer some additional perspectives on sleep and propping yourself up that I thought you might find affirming. 1) https://copd.net/living/getting-best-sleep-even-copd 2) https://copd.net/living/coughing-when-asleep Another thing that I would encourage you to discuss with your doctor is the possibilty of attending pulmonary rehab. This is a program so many in the community find beneficial for learning about COPD, managing symptoms better, and improving their overall quality of life. Most hospital/clinic systems have a program that is typically run by respiratory therapists. We have many articles about pulmonary rehab on the site! I thought I'd share these with you. 1) https://copd.net/living-with-copd/pulmonary-rehab 2) https://copd.net/living/toolbox
How are you feeling today? Know we are here to listen anytime you need support or have questions. Wishing you a gentle day. ~Allyson (team member)
I was interested to hear you had valves installed. It's a bit early yet for me but I'm trying to get information on the criteria and if I fit the bill when the time come but it sounds promising.
, several in the community have had the valve procedure done and most speak to what a difference it made for their symptoms and COPD management! All bodies are of course unique and there are those who did not see the benefit they hoped for. It is definitely something to discuss with your doctor to see if you may at some point be a good candidate! We have a few articles about the procedure that you might find of interest. 1) https://copd.net/clinical/endobronchial-valve-system 2) https://copd.net/stories/endobronchial-valves 3) https://copd.net/forums/lung-valves-for-emphysema 4) https://copd.net/stories/zephyr-valve I hope some of this is helpful for you! Please keep us posted on what transpires for you. Know we are here to listen anytime you need support. Wishing you a gentle day. ~Allyson (team member) Thanks for the reply,I appreciate it. I'm investigating the avenues and treatments available as the emphysema progresses.I'll check out those sites.
Do you have oxygen?
